When Edward found out his donation status had changed to paediatric donor he wasn't sure exactly what that meant or how he had acquired this new status.
It turns out he has magic blood that can feed baby vampires. Edward Rooney is regional news editor for NZME.
My wife was three days overdue with the latest addition to the family when I was told my blood donor status had changed.
While she waited at the donation centre reception, I was being prepped for my regular contribution. A pin prick to check my iron levels and a coupleof questions to double-check my history.
"Did you know you're a paediatric donor now?" the nurse asked. "No idea at all," I replied.
I could see my wife from where I went to stretch out on the chair, machine pumping blood from the drip inserted in my left arm. Using my available hand, I texted my wife: "What's a paediatric donor?"
Days later, baby Flynn arrived at last. He didn't need a transfusion but my wife - a midwife as it happens - knows I'm doing my bit when newborns start out with the odds stacked heavily against them.
I've told the other kids I have "dragon's blood". With the right roll of the genetic dice and luck in life, they will also.
